Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Schedule

Uh oh. I'm nesting. It's not spring and I know I'm not pregnant, so I guess I'm just motivated by a bunch of junk piling up. I've cleaned and reorganized my closet and the hall closet. Next up is the game room closet. I also got Lauren to go through all her clothing and shoes to get rid of stuff she doesn't wear. Best of all, we took a carload of stuff to Goodwill this weekend. Ahhhhh!

I am enjoying all the scenarios people are putting forth for the Tiger Woods "thing," all of them involving his wife attacking him with the golf club. While I'm guessing that is exactly what happened, and it's a sad and embarrassing thing for him, it is pretty darn funny. Tiger Woods' wife chasing him out of the house... with a golf club! Ahahaa. I think everything would have been brushed under the rug, had he not refused to be interviewed, etc. What PR guy fell down on the job with this one? And now the "other woman" has lawyered up, even though she has repeatedly denied an affair, making it even more interesting. Although I cannot stand the whiny, attention-seeking, chip-on-her-shoulder Gloria Allred.

Song Lyrics of the Day

Is this the moment where I look you in the eye
Forgive my broken promise that you'll never see me cry...
Will you think that you're all alone
When no one's there to hold your hand?
And all you know seems so far away and everything is temporary, rest your head
I'm permanent

"Permanent" David Cook

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Oh Meme Oh My

Jeff and I drove out to Stone House Vineyards yesterday evening. Gorgeous hill country drive. On the way we looked at houses for sale in the $1-3 million range on Lake Travis. You know, just in case one struck our fancy. We also saw the "Johnny Carino's house" which is for sale for $16 million. Enormous corner cul-de-sac lot on the lake. People we've talked to aren't sure if it belongs to Chef Carino himself or one of the owners of the chain. It's big!

Something I have to say this morning... There are a few people very close to me in my circle of friends and family who have taken to continuously badgering me about things I'm excited about. Not light-hearted teasing, which my friends/family and I often do. We're talking stone cold condemnation. It started back with scrapbooking many years ago. "Are you taking pictures AGAIN?" Then this... then that... whatever I'm into at the time. And now it's Facebook. God help me if I mention it around any of these particular people, who think it's the biggest time waster on the planet. If I ask you to join or participate, feel free to share your (strangely intense) exasperation at the fact that millions of people really enjoy it. However, if you just see me using it or hear me talking about it or the idea of it merely pops into your head when I'm around, keep your pissy comments to yourself. As with all the other cool things these same culprits have jumped all over me about, I ask- why the anger? Relax. No one makes you join or participate in the activities I'm into. Matter-of-fact, I'd just rather you didn't.

Meme time!

1. When is your birthday?
April 2

2. Where were you born?
Heidelberg Germany

3. Where do you live now?
Austin, TX

4. What is your heritage?
Almost 100% German with a wee bit o' Irish

5. What’s your biggest secret?
Nice try.

6. What's a goal that you'd like to achieve?
I'd love to save Earth from a wayward asteroid.

7. What was your first thought this morning?
What day is it? I always get confused on these long weekends.

8. When do you usually go to bed?
I like to be in bed around 10:30 during the week, but I don't go to sleep until 11 or 11:30, sometimes later.

9. Do you smoke? If not, did you ever?
I don't smoke and have never been a "smoker." I have taken a few drags from one cigarette, one clove cigarette and one atrocious cigar over the years, just to try them when friends around me were smoking them. All gross.

10. Do you like your current relationship status?
Most definitely.

11. Do you (or did you) get along with your parents?
I've always gotten along exceptionally well with my parents.

12. Ever had a near death experience?
I had a mysterious arterial blockage in my lung several years ago. I passed out and went into shock. I didn't have any visions of Grandma beckoning me into the light or anything, so I guess I wasn't that close.

13. If given the choice, how would you like to die?
Of natural causes, in my sleep. Is there another answer?

14. What did you want to be when you grew up?
mostly a doctor

15. Have you ever been dumped?
Oh yeah

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The Tree is Up!

Putting up Christmas decorations is not my idea of a good time because it just seems to take forever and all I can think about is how long it'll take to put them away on the 1st. But I do like hanging our family ornaments on the tree and remembering all the events that go with them. Jeff and I don't have "our" ornament for this year yet. Lauren's for 2009 is this new driver's license. Cute! Ours should be a design board with our bathroom material samples on it. Laura, could you whip that up for me?

I grudgingly went with Lauren to see The Fourth Kind yesterday, but it was actually pretty good. I really dig the fake documentary concept. The creative and realistic way they put it together made you fall into the story, like you were watching it on Discovery Channel.

Saturday 9: Leaving on a Jet Plane

1. When was the last time you jetted away for the holidays?
We always spend holidays with family in Texas, so I have to go all the way back to my sophomore year of high school, when I flew to London to stay with my dad over Christmas.

2. What is your fondest birthday memory?
The boys holding me down and spanking me at my 17th bday party. They wouldn't be surprised to hear that, although I did manage to put up a fight.

3. What names do you go by?
Kathy and Katherine

4. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks?
Lauren and I are going to do the Daughtry VIP experience at the concert in December. Sound check, a photo with the band, early entry to the concert, etc.

5. Where is your least favorite place to be, and why?
I-35 through downtown Austin. Dangerous stretch of road with lots of big trucks, very short entrance ramps and crazy drivers.

6. Have you ever had a scary stalker type?
There was that one at A&M from the dance club, who followed me around town afterward in his car. He was the guy who lived in Scotty's dorm, who I happened to see the next morning there. Creeper!

7. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
 Looking at Christmas lights.

8. What are two activities you do after eating Thanksgiving Dinner?
Chat and play video games.

9. What did your family do for Thanksgiving when you were a kid? Do you still do it? If not explain why. 
We went to College Station to my mom's parents' house every year. Huge lunch, then the guys watched football. We spent the whole weekend there with my cousins and three uncles and two aunts. Around the time I got married, my grandparents moved to Dallas and everyone stopped going to their place. Jeff and I started alternating between our parents' houses in Houston and Dallas. When Lauren was little, we decided to always stay in Austin for Thanksgiving because we saw both sets of parents over Christmas and New Year's.

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Black Friday

The hubby bought me some sticky wine at Stone House Vineyard in Spicewood last weekend. Well, it's from their Australian vineyards, hence the "sticky" terminology. It's sweet white wine, similar to a Moscato. Delicious. It was perfect for watching A&M do really well against #3 t.u., despite the fact that we were outscored in the end. The Aggies looked GREAT. Such an improvement over the beginning of the season, getting extra yardage on runs, really tackling the heck out of people, Jerrod consistently hitting his receivers. The teams basically traded touchdowns all night, and a couple of mistakes/lucky breaks swayed it their way in the end. Highest scoring game in the history of the match-up (which I predicted before the game began- GO ME!) Finally the season constantly marked with the words "really young team" is over, and our talented true freshmen will move on to their sophomore year having learned a lot. Nice job.

Lunch at the Renaissance Hotel was awesome! The guys even convinced our Chicago waitress to be an Aggie fan for the day. The food was really impressive and we had a great time. Jeff also got to harass an older T-sip guy with a little dog dressed in a t.u. jersey. Funny stuff.

Want a fantastic song stuck in your head while you shop today? You know you do! Take a listen to Hedley's "For the Nights I Can't Remember". Simply awesome. Hold back your tears this time...

For those who don't know, Mobile Facebook has only a fraction of updates on its news feed, and Facebook's text-notification feature stops notifying you after about 4 comments on a post. Wait! Before the iPhone geeks jump in with "Facebook for iPhone works like a charm!"... I am certain it does. :p

So go forth and shop! I am staying away if I can. I feel it sucking me in though...

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I am thankful for:

my family
old friends
new friends
long lost brothers
good health
George Clooney
a gorgeous sunrise
Facebook
restaurants open on Thanksgiving day
the beautiful view of nature out our back door
Texas A&M University
inside jokes
post-it notes
a hobby website that turned into a real money-maker
the United States military
an HEB two minutes from my house
sunscreen
music
shared bottles of wine
the perfect pedicure
an amazing bathroom
and... spell check.

Hope you and yours have a wonderful day! Gig 'em Aggies!!

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Shower Adjustments

Since we moved the shower head up six inches, the spray now lands on the shower floor about 6 inches out from where it did before. That makes it hit the edge of the bench instead of being completely on the floor, which makes me crazy. Y'all know I have anal tendencies am all about the Feng Shui.

Anyhoo... we are engineers trying to figure out a solution. Other than bending the pipe, we aren't coming up with anything. JeffC suggested some sort of connector that exists to make the head swivel down more. Hmm. Maybe a third trip to Home Depot will do the trick.

I was watching Teresa's crush, Mike Rowe, on "Dirty Jobs" yesterday. There was a segment where he went to a gourd farm. He was quite clever with the lewd puns (always a plus in my book). They were talking about the cross-pollination process, that one male could pollinate up to four females, etc. He said it was "like a gourdgy." LOL.

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Relaxing into the Holiday Week

My mother-in-law and I watched about 30 minutes of the Senate debate on Saturday before realizing they weren't debating the health care bill at all. They were debating whether or not to debate the health care bill. *sigh* And of course the final vote was straight along party lines, as no one up there thinks for him/herself. What a waste of time.

Hung out at Kathy's last night. She has ordered all new living room furniture and I got to see the swatches and stuff. So cool!! It's always a blast to watch someone else redecorate.

AMD has forced vacation all this week, so J is home. And Lauren is off the rest of the week, after today. I am not cooking this Thanksgiving, which really rocks. We're dining at the Renaissance Hotel with JeffC.

Of course we'll watch the big game Thursday night, which even one of my T-sip friends thinks is not a done deal, considering how "eh" t.u. played on Saturday. So while I'm not delusional... who knows what can happen at Kyle Field? Beat the Hell outta t.u., baby.

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Monday's Saturday 9

But first, a laughing baby video, because ohmigosh could anything be cuter?



Oh and the Song Lyrics du Jour:

He’s a good time cowboy Casanova
Leaning up against the record machine
Looks like a cool drink of water
But he’s candy-coated misery
He’s the devil in disguise
A snake with blue eyes
And he only comes out at night
Gives you feelings that you don’t want to fight
You better run for your life

"Cowboy Casanova" Carrie Underwood

Saturday 9: Talking in Your Sleep

1. Has anyone in your life talked in their sleep?
Cathy has talked in her sleep a few times. Never anything as interesting as I hoped though.

2. What do you like about fall?
Much more chic clothing options. Boots. Jackets.

3. Do you have an addictive personality?
No. I can quit Facebook any time I want to. I just don't want to.

4. Who was the last person to do something extra special for you?
My mother-in-law invited me along on this weekend's spa trip to San Antonio!

5. Would you ever take someone back if they cheated on you?
Depending on the situation... but only once.

6. Are you happy with where you are in life?
I am itching to get a part-time job at the moment. Happy, yes, but that would be an improvement.

7. Do you believe that you can change someone?
Not really. I think subtle changes can be fostered, like introducing in someone an appreciation for jazz music; however, intrinsic traits like being a royal douchebag are irreversible.

8. Have you ever wished you could have had someone but you couldn't?
Haven't we all.

9. Would you ever fight someone over your significant other?
Um, no. I would never engage the other woman, only the significant other.

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Party in the USA

I knocked my hand into a wall while I was carrying a load of laundry the other day and injured my finger with my Aggie ring. Well... and the WALL. Bloody bruise and everything. Just when my car seat fingernail injury had grown out. I never thought of myself as accident-prone, but perhaps I need to wear a helmet.

Hey, did you know that "Party in the USA" is sung by Miley Cyrus? WTF. I've been learning the words to it because I thought it was the coolest cheesy pop song to come along in a long time.

Miley. Cyrus.

Her voice is kinda digitally enhanced and ... yeah, I should have known.

I'm picking up the in-laws at the airport after library duty this morning. Lauren is helping with winterguard clinic tonight instead of going to the big football game, so we'll actually get to see her before 1 a.m. Then it's girls' spa weekend in San Antonio! It's Lauren's bday gift from her grandmother, and I get to tag along. The guys will hang out here while we're gone. I really need some relaxation after the couple of stressful weeks I've had. Lauren does, too. It will be sooooooo nice!!

♪♫ "And a Jay-Z song was on..... And a Jay-Z song was on...."

Ack.

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Song Lyrics of the Day

Today a tribute to Train, one of my favorite bands. I have a lot of emotional ties to them, mostly because I went through a long stint of listening to their Drops of Jupiter cd on my drives to and from Wimberley to visit Mom.

"Mississippi" was the inspiration for me to write one of my very best short stories, about a gay man who "comes out" to the one woman he thought he might have been able to make a life with, complete with the kids and the dog and the white picket fence. Only he's realized that isn't going to make either of them happy.

...She's the one that makes my dreams
They call her Mississippi
But she don't flow to me...

"Something More" is somber at first, about a relationship where one person is really into it and the other is ambivalent. Then at the end, the person who is more in love finds his strength and tires of being the one to keep it going. He decides to move on, to open himself to a new relationship where the other person will be as in love as he is.

...All the more I want
All the more I need
All the while you want something more...

And "Drops of Jupiter" is one of my all-time favorite songs. It is indeed "timeless", as someone said yesterday. The lyrics evoke positively brilliant visuals. In its entirety:

Now that she's back in the atmosphere
With drops of Jupiter in her hair
She acts like summer and walks like rain
Reminds me that there's a time to change
Since the return from her stay on the moon
She listens like spring and she talks like June

But tell me, did you sail across the sun?
Did you make it to the Milky Way
To see the lights all faded
And that heaven is overrated?

Tell me, did you fall for a shooting star?
One without a permanent scar
And then you missed me
While you were looking for yourself out there?

Now that she's back from that soul vacation
Tracing her way through the constellation
She checks out Mozart while she does Tae-Bo
Reminds me that there's room to grow

Now that she's back in the atmosphere
I'm afraid that she might think of me as
Plain ol' Jane told a story about a man
Who was too afraid to fly so he never did land

But tell me, did the wind sweep you off your feet?
Did you finally get the chance
To dance along the light of day
And head back to the Milky Way?

And tell me, did Venus blow your mind?
Was it everything you wanted to find?
And then you missed me
While you were looking for yourself out there

Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken
Your best friend always sticking up for you
Even when I know you're wrong?

Can you imagine no first dance, freeze-dried romance
Five-hour phone conversation
The best soy latte that you ever had, and me?

But tell me, did the wind sweep you off your feet?
Did you finally get the chance
To dance along the light of day
And head back toward the Milky Way?

But tell me, did you sail across the sun?
Did you make it to the Milky Way
To see the lights all faded
And that heaven is overrated?

And tell me, did you fall for a shooting star?
One without a permanent scar
And then you missed me
While you were looking for yourself?

And did you finally get the chance
To dance along the light of day?
And did you fall for a shooting star?
Fall for a shooting star?
And now you're lonely looking for yourself out there

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Driver's License Nightmare

Just skip this rant if you want to... not that skipping my blog posts isn't always my personal recommendation.

Let me start by saying the Texas DPS website provides a lot of info, but many vital things are missing or incredibly difficult to find. I went there. I searched it. I know what's on there inside and out regarding drivers' licenses.

When I called the S. Congress DPS location the other day, it took forever to get through and the person who finally answered was very curt and told me we needed to get there very very early (like 5am) to schedule a driving test. I called the Lamar location to see if they scheduled driving tests over the phone or something more logical than lining up at 5am, and I got a helpful recording along with an option to speak with a person. That was the person who informed me that Lauren didn't even need to take the road test. After that more customer-service-oriented experience, I decided it might be smart to go to the Lamar location for the license instead. People online had said you can go to any office, even one outside your county.

So I picked Lauren up after first period and we headed up there around the recommended 10am time slot to miss the long lines. It took about 30 minutes to get through the main line (awesome!), where the info guy was about to hand me a number (to get in the next line) when a supervisor happened to look over his shoulder and said, "She can't get a license here because she got her learner's permit at the Congress location. She has to go there to get it."

I asked them---- Seriously? No one could have mentioned that? And what if we had moved to Dallas- still she has to go to the Congress location?

And do you think I got an "I'm sorry no one told you" or "Sorry you had to drive up north and spend 30 minutes in a pointless government line"? Heck no. I didn't even get a reply at all. Just two creepy, empty stares.

So we drove down to Congress, arriving around 11:15, at the lunch hour. Ended up waiting two and a half hours to get to the counter. There were 7 spaces for clerks to handle customers, but never more than three clerks working at a time. Most of the time there were only two. On a positive note, the person we ended up with was very nice and Lauren was of course thrilled to finally get that license in her hand.

The woman we were talking to in the Congress line was getting a driver's license and then going to the Social Security office downtown. Poor thing.

And people want the government to run health care. Omg.

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DMV Day... Shoot Me Now

Shane's FB status yesterday--

(AP) Energizer Bunny Arrested - Charged with Battery

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahhaaa!!

Thanks CJ for reminding us all that he and his family used to hang around the house naked back in the day. omg that was hilarious.

Long story, but I found out that teens who held their learner's permits before September 1, 2009 do NOT have to take a road test to get their licenses. So we are heading to the DMV this morning to get Lauren's license. Woohoo!

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Happy Birthday Lauren!!

My baby is sweet 16 today! And it's also her golden birthday. Happy birthday Lolo!

I am currently sporting a temporary dark auburn haircolor. It's alright, but not as red as I had thought it would be. I was hoping for something waaaaay more drastic. One probably has to take the permanent color option for "drastic." Maybe I should just get a tattoo.

Kathy and I lunched at North by Northwest yesterday. I had never been there. They have garlic fries that are really garlicky. Very good. It's right next door to Iron Cactus though, which I felt was calling to me.

Sunday Stealing: The Over the Top Meme

Part One - Describe:

Your hair? Very curly/wavy, but I Chi it. It's naturally light auburn, now temporarily dyed dark auburn for fun.

Your mother? She was witty and smart. Typically smiling and bubbly. Very creative.

Your father? A scientist and mathematician. The life of the party who has great stories and a gift for telling them. A world traveler.

Your favorite food? Ribeye steak, medium rare.

Your dream last night? I only remember them if I kinda wake up and fall back asleep. I don't remember this morning.

Your favorite drink? Sweet tea.

Your dream/goal? To figure out what my next dream/goal is.

The room are you in? This is the bonus room upstairs. Jeff's rocket-building area is along one wall and Lauren's and my desks and computers are on the opposite wall. The walls are painted a gorgeous blue. A lot of memorabilia is on the walls here.

Your hobby? I don't really have one right now. Any ideas?

Your fear? Scorpions.

Your TV? The living room tv is a flat-screen superdy-duperdy high resolution.

Your Pets? None. We may get a kitten, if one becomes available.

Friends? They're almost all very funny people. The few who aren't that funny laugh at everyone else's jokes.

Your life? Good.

Your mood? hopeful that Lauren has a good day. She wasn't feeling well last night.

Part Two - The Where's?

Where do you want to be in 6 years? In our last house. Working, at least part time.

Where were you last night? Picking up Lauren from school after her band trip.

Where did you grow up? in various areas of south Houston, mostly

One place that you go to over and over? Target. If I'm not there at least twice a week, they call to make sure I'm okay.

Your favorite place to eat out? Iron Cactus at the Hill Country Galleria. It has great food, great drinks and the ambiance is amazing.

Last time you laughed? last night, at some of Lauren's trip stories

Last time you cried? can't remember

Part Three - The What's?

Last thing you did? collect all the paperwork for Lauren to get her driver's license tomorrow. Today she needs to get some sleep.

What are you wearing? What are YOU wearing? *wink wink* I'm actually in my nightgown. If the webcam were on, I'd put on a robe.

Something you're not wearing? a bra. What. I didn't burn it or anything. I'm just emulating Laura and Deborah.

Your favorite store? Target

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Still Busy But Surviving

Almost got into a conversation about only-children with one of the rocketry guys yesterday. LOL. This time I don't think any innocent people would have cried, so it's okay.

Band came in 10th at Grand Nationals! So, they were 4th overall in super-regional (mostly state with a few neighboring state bands) competition and 10th nationally. Fan-flippin-tastic!!

Went to the Texas Stars game last night with Rich and Laura. Great game. Unfortunately right at the end Chicago tied it up at 3 all. In overtime they scored first. Bah.

We had a bad experience with the Cedar Park Center, however, as did many others. First, there is no map on their website, nor is the address on my GPS or GoogleMaps or MapQuest. When we called the box office, a recording told us to leave a message and they would call us back during normal business hours. Beep. We had to ask at a Cedar Park restaurant how to find it.

When we got there, people were complaining that there was no clear direction on where to get tickets. Will-call was clearly marked- luckily we were there- but a lot of folks arrived just wanting to purchase tickets. There was some convoluted path to follow to get to where they needed to be, and it was not obvious and thus very chaotic.

Next, they didn't give us the free concession coupons that were supposed to come with the pack of tickets we bought. We had to ask three employees, who sent us to a fourth person who also had no clue about them. That person eventually gave us coupons we were supposed to have received at will-call with our tickets in the first place.

While in line to speak to the fourth employee, I got into a conversation with a woman who had been turned away at the entrance for bringing in a large purse. She returned it to her car, and then came back to find hundreds of others with large purses. The person who let her into the arena at that point said it was fine to bring in a large purse. Yeesh.

Laura said since it's a newly opened venue, they were just "working out the kinks." Well that place has got to be the kinkiest venue I've ever seen.

Heh.

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Saturday, Baby!

The Foundation party was really nice. I cried at the tear-jerker video, as usual. They gave Ginger and me flowers. Awwww.

The band has moved on to semi-finals! And the football team won their playoff game! So perhaps Lauren will perform her show at least one more time before the end of the season.

I'm off to a rocket launch- my second one ever. And later... a hockey game. Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend so far!

Song Lyrics of the Day

As I’m standing here and you hold my hand
Pull me towards you and we start to dance
All around us I see nobody
Here in silence, it’s just you and me

"Fallin' For You" Colbie Caillat

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Big Day!

This morning at 8:30 the band performs in prelims. Wooo! Then I do the library thing. Then I'm off to help decorate for the big soiree tonight. Then there's the football playoff game in San Antonio and the Foundation party! Also tonight they give out band prelim awards and decide who moves on to semi-finals, which is tomorrow. This week has been caaaaaRAZY. Hoping for a normal week next week.

I have recently bought a slew of one-smaller-size (thankyouverymuch) pants, three of which are slacks that show pantylines. Laura's advice when I asked what to do if I don't like thongs?

"Wear granny panties."

She says the edges sit in all the natural bends and disappear. Yeesh. That is worse than booty floss. Plus, I don't even think that's true. Since I'll never find out, I'll just have to take her word for it.

My daughter is really enjoying the Indianapolis trip. She called and sent a picture of the Lucas Oil Stadium yesterday. :) You know how moms always know exactly where everything is in the house? Well, she asked if I knew where her band uniform gloves were, as she wasn't sure she had packed them. She thought they were in her school bag at home. I said that they were with her gauntlets on the floor by the closet last time I saw them, so she must have packed them when she packed the gauntlets. Even from across the country I know where things are! What is your superpower??

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Taking a Few Days Off

Not from blogging, of course. And not from library or Foundation (can you say BIG EVENT?) or websites...

At the suggestion of my thoughtful husband, while Lauren is out-of-town, I am not cooking. Believe me, that is a holiday in my book. Matter-of-fact, I declare the period from yesterday through Sunday as No Dirty Dishes Days! No cooking, no dirty dishes. Try a new restaurant every night. It'll be fun!

Last night's dinner was at Z' Tejas. Not new, of course, but always amazing. I've never had the same thing twice there, and have always been impressed. I had seafood enchiladas with cilantro shrimp- yummo. The Top Shelf margarita was really strong. Not my favorite, but if you're looking for a cheap date, just one of these will do just fine.

I spent several hours at the Foundation office yesterday with Ginger, putting together her decorations for the Friday night party. We wrapped a bunch of big boxes with craft paper and hot glued 24 table centerpieces. Still we will be finishing things Friday afternoon at the venue. We had a couple of interns for a while, and Scott and Chad helped some as well. Big job!

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Veterans Day

My grandpa was a colonel in the Army, as was my uncle. Cathy also served in the Army and was a field medic in the Middle East. A special thanks to them for their contributions around the world. And to all vets, for theirs as well.

All clear on the mammogram, so woohoo. For the first time ever, the process at St. Davids was a headache because of a paperwork problem. They treat you like a princess there and usually you want to stay all day and drink designer coffee and chat with everyone in your fluffy robes. Yesterday I was actually faced with the prospect of staying all day waiting for the physician's orders to be clarified, and I just wanted to get out of there. I did manage to figure out how to make sure it doesn't happen again next year. :)

Got the girl off to Indianapolis this morning! They are going to have her dress as a band member during the shows at competition. She was fitted for a full uniform and will stand in the pit with the alternates, so she won't stick out with her guard costume. She is getting a kick out of that. And I think she finally realizes that she isn't letting anyone down by being injured. I am certain she'll have a fabulous time!

And she gets a bus seat to herself to put her leg up. Nice.

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Disappointing News

Mammogram day. Blah.

Lauren got the final word from the doc on performing at the band contest, and he said she shouldn't. She's still limping and he had her do some sidesteps and other things in the hall. It's just not healed enough yet. We were formulating all sorts of possibilities, including her just doing the performances (up to three) at ten minutes each, since she wouldn't be able to handle a few three-hour practices. It became obvious that wasn't even possible.

And as EVERYONE has said to her and me, "You don't want to mess around with a groin injury." They can take forever to heal, if reinjured. She started physical therapy last Wednesday, and it is definitely helping. The doc thinks it'll take 6-8 weeks for her to be back to normal (she's at two now), maybe she'll be significantly better sometime next week. Ack-- just bad timing on Grand Nationals.

She thought she would be relieved just to have an answer one way or the other, and she knew it would probably be a no, but she was still incredibly disappointed. She's able to go on the trip though, which is great! She'll just sit out during practices and shows. They leave early tomorrow morning. I hope they don't walk too much.

Song Lyrics of the Day

To the world, you may be just another girl
But to me, Baby you are the world.

"The World" Brad Paisley

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20th Anniv- Fall of the Wall

World leaders in Berlin to mark fall of Wall

Dominoes! I've got to see that video later.

The Men Who Stare at Goats wasn't that great. Even an unholy love for The Clooney couldn't save it for me. It has several really funny moments, just not enough to carry a couple of hours. And oh my gosh... all the Star Wars references with Ewan McGregor there!! LOL. Loved those. Otherwise, just kind of "eh."

Best line: "He was dying of a broken heart... and maybe the cancer as well." Bwahahaha!

Tonight is the big send-off performance for the band. Will Lauren perform? Stay tuned. She has a physical therapy session about 5 hours before practice. I am really hopeful, but she's still in a lot of pain.

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DO NOT ADJUST YOUR SCREEN

It's still me! Welcome to the "new look" of the old blog, my second revamping since I started this one a few years ago. Many thanks to the talented designers at OurBlogTemplates.com, where my research led to some of the best Blogger templates on the web, with minimal tweakage required for customization. Bravo!

Siegfried joined Facebook. Am I good or what?

And this is from Caleb's Facebook. A meme. Go figure.

What is your salad dressing of choice?

Caesar

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?

Iron Cactus

What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?

cereal

What do you like to put on your toast?

butter, sometimes blackberry jelly

How many televisions are in your house?

4

What color is your cellphone?

dark blue

Do you have an iPod?

I have several.

Are you right-handed or left-handed?

Right

What is the last heavy item you lifted?

a box of my mother's memorabilia

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?

Almost!! When I was 8-ish, we made a fort with a blanket held up by various things around my room. One corner was held by a conch shell that slid off my dresser, straight into my temple. I almost blacked out. I still have a tiny scar there.

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?

No thanks.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

Kathy Clooney...... ahahaaa just kidding Dear. :)

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?

No way

Missing someone?

Yeah I really miss CJ- she needs to graduate already.

Mood?

Happy :)

What are you listening to?

Rihanna "S.O.S." It's not healthy for me to feel this waaaaaay...

Current worry?

How this whole Grand Nationals band thing will work with Lauren's leg injury. She's doing better, and I have my fingers crossed that she will compete and that she won't be in too much pain on the trip.

First place you went this morning?

took the kids to church

What's the last movie you saw?

Saw VI

How many pairs of flip flops do you own?

5. Only one of them are the typical casual flip flops. The others are really nice flip flops. lol. Y'all know what I mean.

Last time you had a run-in with the cops?

I got a ticket for parking in a handicapped spot in Sunset Valley several years ago. I didn't see the sign.

Last person you talked to?

Lauren and Troy

Last person you hugged?

Jeff

Do you always answer your phone?

No.

It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?

Maybe CJ drunk-texting me? ;)

What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic?

I get light cherry limeade

Do you own a digital camera?

Yes

Have you ever had a pet fish?

I kept minnows once that I "saved" from my dad's and my fishing bait. They were fine until I spent the night at Lori's, and my mom flushed them. She couldn't take it anymore- the whole "bait as pets" thing. She was just heartless.

Favorite Christmas song(s)?

"Oh Holy Night" is my all-time no-equivalent fave. So beautiful. I have a collection of various artists versions of it.

Can you do push ups?

Yeah. Half-assed ones.

Can you do the Splits?

No

Does the future make you more nervous or excited?

Excited

Do you have any saved texts?

Not at the moment. I only save the ones I need to. I like everything nice and cleared out.

Have you ever been in a car accident?

One- I hit a deer in college and it landed in my front windshield.

Do you have an accent?

I occasionally have a slight Texas twang.

What is the last movie to make you cry?

Gosh... it may have been all the way back to Wolverine this summer. What. It had sad parts.

Plans tonight?

Not specifically, but we've been doing dinner out with JeffC most recent Sundays.

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?

No. Of course there was a time when I hit a very deep personal low, but I haven't ever felt my life was irrevocably screwed up.

The 3 things you bought yesterday?

makeup, clothes for Lauren's big trip, frozen yogurt at Yogurt Planet

Have you ever been given roses?

Many times :)

Have you ever dated someone longer than a year?

Three people- John, Evans and Jeff

Do you have any tattoos/piercings?

Ears are pierced

What songs do you sing in the shower?

I don't usually sing in the shower, but if I do, it's because something is stuck in my head, like a product jingle for a feminine hygiene product.

Ever had someone sing to you?

Yes.

When did you last cry?

Monday

Do you like to cuddle?

Oh yes

Have you held hands with anyone today?

Not yet

Who was the last person you took a picture of?

Brianna

Do you like pulpy orange juice?

No- it's messier than necessary. It tastes fine though.

What is something your friends make fun of you for?

Being too organized.

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Big Brother

Guess who just emailed me--- my brother Siggi! I know, right? I think it's been like 8 or 9 years since we talked. We had gotten in touch for the first time through Dad around 1995 and talked on the phone and emailed. He and his wife sent photos of their two daughters. It was great.

Then I kept emailing for a while and he wasn't writing back. Dad said he had lost his job and was going through a divorce and just kind of checked out at that time. Well, over the last year or so I've been emailing again. This morning he sent me a message. So exciting!

If I can get him onto Facebook, we're golden.

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Long Week - TGIF

Ohmigosh, this mass shooting at Ft. Hood. I feel so bad for the family members who had to wait while the base was under lockdown, and especially for the ones with children in the day care there. What was up with the headline on the news special report, that this guy "might have psychological problems?" The man shot 50 people! I'm guessing he has psychological problems.

What a nightmare for all of them and their families. I cannot imagine. My heart goes out to them. And God bless all those people who waited in line for hours to donate blood for the victims.

One week to the Foundation shin-dig. I am one line of text away from completing the program. Then I think I'm done!

Thanks to Bob Schneider I have Biz Markie's "Just a Friend" in my head this morning. Youuuu, you got what I nee-eeed... THANKS BOB.

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*g*

Umm... I keep going "HA!" when I talk about cardio kickboxing on here. And I realized that the HA! is actually from the martial arts stuff that goes with the kickboxing on the Sharon show that I work out to on FitTV. So to avoid any confusion, there's no need to HA! when doing a jab or a hook. Just for an elbow smash or a roundhouse kick.

:)

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Thoughts on Intelligence

There was a question on a meme on a friend's Facebook that asked how important intelligence is in a partner. I used to have a theory that everyone is intelligent at about the same level, barring some sort of disability or unusual genius in the outliers, that each of us just uses our intelligence to a different extent depending on the impact of other factors like physical beauty, social abilities, cultural or family expectations, etc. Now I'm thinking that there are various levels of natural intelligence and just like athletic ability or any other talent, one is skilled in it to the sum of whatever God-given amount one has, plus one's own practicing and honing that ability or not.

Anyhoo... I do think that partners should have similar intelligence to each other, whether their intelligence is at a 1 or a 10. Intelligence has a direct impact on conversation, sense of humor, etc. - all the things that contribute to a happy daily life.

In other news... Jeff wanted to start exercising, which I think is awesome, so I am walking the 'hood with him every morning before I get Lauren up for school. Bonus-- I get two workouts a day now. Gotta keep up the kickboxing. HA!

Kanye West has purchased a penthouse in one of the new condos downtown. Yeesh. Why.

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The Strange Question Meme: Part II

26. What color is your watch?
I haven't worn a watch for several years. Those who know me from way back may be utterly shocked to hear it. I'm still very punctual!

27. What do you think of when you hear “Australia”?
Hugh Jackman

28. Would you strip for money?
Nah

29. Do you go in a fast food place or just hit the drive thru?
Drive thru, unless we are eating there

30. What is your favorite number?
3

31. Who’s the last person you talked to on the phone?
Jeff

32. Any plans today?
Not yet.

33. In how many states have you lived?
Two plus one foreign country.

34. Biggest annoyance right now?
I have two pairs of dress pants that have been sitting on my dresser waiting to go to the tailor to be shortened. They'll sit here forever unless I... hey! There are my new plans for the day.

35. Last song listened to?
"Rain" Patty Griffin

36. Can you say the alphabet backwards?
Slowly

37. Do you have a maid service clean your house?
Nope

38. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
Right now- my new black heels

39. Are you jealous of anyone?
Not at the moment.

40. Is anyone jealous of you?
Possibly.

41. Do you love anyone?
That guy I married

42. Do any of your friends have children?
Most of them do

43. What do you usually do during the day?
work out, volunteer work, some sort of shopping- whether necessity or retail therapy, cleaning the house, Facebooking/IMing/texting

44. Do you hate anyone that you know right now?
No.

45. Do you use the word hello daily?
Doesn't everyone?

46. What color is your car?
Powder blue

47. What size wedding ring do you wear?
Uhh... I have no idea.

48. Are you thinking about someone right now?
Cathy

49. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
Many many times!

50. How did you get your worst scar?
I had a tiny cyst removed once and it left a ridiculous little scar. My two major surgery scars are practically invisible.

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Trying to Get Out-of-Town

Turns out the Foundation party falls right in the big fat middle of the five days Lauren will be out of town for marching band Grand Nationals. We had thought we would get away ourselves then, but it doesn't look like we can. Waah! Maybe I can at least work a hotel into that evening.

We also must plan a major vacation for Jeff's final sabbatical. He's got a month off coming up, and we need to decide where we want to go. The whole world is available. We just have to choose.

Last night at a nice dinner out, the Jeffs and I were seated at a table facing a large window. Jeff C said, "Oh my gosh, this couple is totally going at it in their car." Sure enough, they were all over each other making out in the light from the restaurant. Jeff C waited a bit and then gave them a huge way-to-go grin and a thumbs-up. They saw him and we all laughed. Then the woman waved. Hilarious! We decided it would have been even funnier if we had stood up and clapped.

στίχοι τραγούδι της ημέρας

The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
Emeralds from mountains thrust towards the sky
Never revealing their depth...

"I'll Be" by Edwin McCain

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Halloween Wrap-Up

Fall back. Kill me now. Early risers don't adjust easily to a time change in this direction.

I was explaining vaccines to Laura yesterday. She reminded me she went to a college where she had to take the ACT and not the SAT. LOL. Say no more. *wink* She also sent me an gruesome photo of her niece's foot with a metal yard-decoration stake through it. Pure horror, I tell ya'.

Alan told me on Friday that Travis gave him one day's notice that he wanted to invite his friends over for a Halloween party. Alan told him "maybe next year with some prep time." And I said, "No joke!" Well, yesterday morning I got 30 minutes notice that Lauren and her friends were planning to hang out here all day and evening. Six people. I had no lunch, snack or dinner food and no drinks for all of them, and needed to clean the kitchen. But she came with me to HEB to get everything we needed and the day was fun for all. They even helped hand out candy last night. It was sweet of them to come over and hang out with her since she's still not quite ready for so much walking on her injured leg. Good friends.

Sunday Stealing: The Strange Question Meme, Part 1

1. What is the color of your toothbrush?
green

2. Name one person who made you smile today.
I haven't seen anyone yet. :)

3. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
It isn't 8 am yet. Is this a quiz for evening bloggers?

4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago?
sleeeeping

5. What is your favorite candy bar?
Snickers

6. Have you ever been to a strip club?
I have seen male strippers perform twice as guest performers at dance clubs. The first time I dragged my girlfriends. The second time they had to drag me. Not my favorite thing. Never went to a strip club with female strippers.

7. What is the last thing you said aloud?
Goodnight.

8. What is your favorite ice cream?
Mint chocolate chip

9. What was the last thing you had to drink?
SlimFast. Breakfast of champions.

10. Do you like your wallet?
It's fine.

11. What was the last thing you ate?
leftover chicken flautas from Chuy's- last night

12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
a pair of warmup pants

13. The last sporting event you watched?
UT vs. OSU football last night

14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn?
movie theater butter

15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to?
Lauren

16. Ever go camping?
Yes. Because I'm a good sport.

17. Do you take vitamins daily?
I try to, but I usually forget.

18. Do you go to church every Sunday?
Haven't been every Sunday in years. Lauren goes every Sunday. We go every once in a blue moon. I still identify as Catholic, as I was confirmed and all, although I may have lost my Catholic card when I married a protestant in a Baptist church. Not sure on that.

19. Do you have a tan?
Ahahaha! No

20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza?
usually

21. Do you drink your soda with a straw?
yes

22. What did your last text message say?
"I'm here."

23. What are you doing tomorrow?
volunteering at Book Fair at the library, working on the program and name tags for the Foundation soiree

24. Favorite color?
green

25. Look to your left; what do you see?
a 20% off coupon for The Container Store that expires today

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